Time passes quickly when you have both inspiration and purpose. It was as if I had only just entered the workshop in the Hold's villa, and yet a new morning had arrived. After a refreshing bath to wash off the dust of yesterday, I left the villa and returned to Hold's main building, where, not long after, the first person arrived.
-"Good morning, Yue. How was yesterday? Everything went smoothly?"
-"Hello Ningguang, it went well. I had a little discussion with Ouranos, after which he agreed to officially recognize us and not interfere in our affairs."
-"I feel like that 'discussion' is different from a negotiation that I'm imagining, but all's well that ends well."
-"Don't worry, I'm not a battle junky. I believe that words are better than swords."
-"While I haven't been thinking like that, now I'll certainly have to ask Astraea for details."
-"On the subject of Astraea, she will come here with goddess Loki, and probably Hephaestus will accompany them. I compiled the general agreement reached with Loki and her familia."-I passed the contract draft to Ningguang.-"The finer details are yet to be decided, but I'll leave that in your hands if it's not a problem."
-"Let's see... Not bad. I'll be sure to meet a party of goddesses later. Now, I need a little assistance."
-"How can I help you?"
-"Emperor is quite interested in this place and wishes to enter Hold."
-"Is that not good?"
-"Well, the trouble is that he will not come personally but send a representative."
-"Someone bad?"
-"No, he is capable, only... Mr. Zhongli is someone who would listen to stories all day if given a chance to."
-"You mean that he is lazy. Not a big problem for me."
-"Lazy is not the word I would use, more like with head in the clouds."
-"Many people are eccentric. Let's meet with that, Mr. Zhongli."
-"Yeah, let's go. The rest of Liyue Qixing is also waiting with him."
Soon, we left Hold and arrived in the ancient city. Looking around, I see great pavilions with mountains behind and bustling port over the quiet sea on the other side.
-"Beautiful place. After seeing this, I feel much more confident in you leading Hold."
-"It was not me who built this city but rather my countless predecessors and the powers of emperor."
-"Don't make your contribution insignificant. While mountains and buildings haven't changed for many years, people living and working here are not elders stuck in the past. Every person around is young, working with a smile. Those smiles are your hard work."
-"Thanks, that means a lot to me."-Ningguang smiled softly
-"Can you show me your power? I can feel that air around here is saturated with elements."
-"No problem, we use elemental energy with a vision to manifest powers."
-"Vision... Practical tool, but be careful your power may vary greatly based on elements in the worlds you visit."
-"I'll be careful. I plan to get a blessing from god and strengthen myself."
-"Yes, really good choice. While I admit the usefulness of Vision, the power you don't fully own is dangerous."
-"That's true, but aren't you in the same place as Emanator, who is receiving power from Aeon."
-"Indeed, the gaze of Aeon may wander. That's why you need to keep that in mind and make plans for the time when that power is taken away."
As we continued to talk, we closed on the Yuehai Pavilion, where we could see a group of five people waiting.
-"Sorry for the wait. This is Yue. He was also chosen to lead the Hold."-Ningguang introduced me.
-"Pleasure to meet you."-I bowed slightly in greeting.
-"Allow me to make introductions. From the right, you can see Keqing."-Ningguang continued leading the conversation.
-"Hello, I'm Keqing, Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing."-A beauty with purple hair extended her hand to me in greeting.
-"Next is Yelan."
-"Hi"-Another beautiful woman with short black hair smiled at me from the side.
-"In the middle is Ganyu."
-"Nice to meet you. I'm general secretary Ganyu."-The woman who stood out the most due to her horns bowed to me while greeting me politely.
-"Standing next is Yanfei."
-"Welcome, I'm Yanfei. If you need some legal advice, be sure to contact me."-A lively woman promoted her job while extending her hand to me.
-"And last but not least, Mr. Zhongli."
-"Thank you for your time, Mr. Yue."-The only other man present greeted me elegantly, carrying an air of someone experienced in life and of affluent status.
-"Meeting new people and broadening horizons is always worth the time spent."-I responded to all greetings one by one.
-"Let's end pleasantries here and move to Hold. We can talk while we walk."
-"OK, but Mr. Zhongli, may I ask you, are you sure you want to come with us to Hold?"-I spoke after giving the man a second look.
-"Yes, why?"-He looked at me in doubt.
-"To enter Hold, you either have to be a member or have the trust of a person capable of taking you there, but your power... I'm not sure about your purpose."-I pointed out the power he was hiding.
-"What power? What do you mean, Yue? Mr. Zhongli is a Vision holder like the rest of us."-Keqing asked, surprised by my words.
-"In my eyes, while the rest of you are simply gathering elements from the air around you, he is spewing them all around wherever he walks."-I explained what I saw with my perception.
-"It would seem I owe you an explanation... Very well. The reason why I generate elemental energy is that I own Gnosis."-Zhongli decided not to beat around the bush.
-"Gnosis is it not the proof of archon status? Wouldn't that mean you are archon?!"-exclaimed Keqing.
-"Yes, that would be I."
-"Mr. Zhongli uses geo vision, which would make him geo archon... isn't that Morax!"-Connecting of the dots continued.
-"Please keep it under wraps."
-"Would Majesty mind explaining what is going on? Why is the emperor hiding his identity like that?"-Ganyu asked, a little apprehensive that she was unaware that her 'boss' was hiding next to her for so long.
-"Allow me to start by explaining my plans..."
While we were listening to Zhongli, we also moved to the Hold just in time to run into Astraea, who was leading Loki and Hephaestus with a few other people behind them. After another round of introductions and little explanations about the title of a goddess, we carried on sightseeing.
-"Excuse me for hiding like that, Mr. Yue."-Zhongli addressed me.
-"No need for apologies. I understand why you did it. I share your view on not wanting people to depend on you, and while I believe there are better ways to ensure that, your idea was not that bad. Also, call me Yue, and I'll call you Zhongli directly."
-"I'll do so. Yue, what do you think of Teyvat?"
-"While I can't say much as my stay was short, I felt like the whole world was strangely oppressive, like afraid of something."
-"The world was? Do worlds have feelings?"
-"Not feelings but certainly intent. Many things possess intent. Works of craftsmen, techniques for martial artists, and so do worlds. Their intent is simply to survive and grow."
-"So you felt like something is threatening our world."
-"Exactly, I do not know what it is, but at least I have not felt anything in Liyue. It is either far away or somewhere hidden deep."
-"I'll keep your warning in mind. Do you have some experience with such things?"
-"Yes, most of my time, I travel around the world to help planets with different catastrophes."
-"Could you do the same in our world?"
-"It's not impossible. I'm just afraid of one thing. Even though the world is in such a nervous state, nothing is happening on the surface. That would mean either your world is too weak to respond to threats or something is stopping it."
-"Hmm... I see. I'll try to educate myself on the subject more and find answers."
-"I plan to invite you to become part of Hold as an advisor under Progress. As a person who helped grow civilization, your aid would mean much."
-"Why not? That library will be open for me if I join you, right?"
-"Yes, the position of librarian would be quite fitting, don't you think?"
-"Then we have an agreement. I'll become a librarian and advisor but don't require me to fight for you. I want to retire."
-"Don't worry, leave fighting for others."
As such, I gained my first advisor. When I was speaking with Zhongli, the tour around Hold reached its end. Those interested were impressed with what Hold is able to offer enough to sit down and negotiate with us seriously. After Ganyu got us some tea, we started our talks.
-"From what I heard, Emperor already agreed to join Hold, so there should be no problem with Liyue becoming an integral part of it."-Ningguang was first to speak.
-"You are right, Ningguang. I also think that Lyue can indeed benefit from becoming Nobunaga's resource base."-Keqing was quick to look for benefits.
-"I already signed the contract with Nobunaga yesterday."-Ningguang smiled as she was one step ahead.-"Now, what position do the rest of you want to take?"
-"As a fellow Qixing, I'll follow you to Avarice."
-"You are always welcome, Keqing. Ganyu, will you also follow?"
-"If I may, I suggest Ganyu join Hope to help Elysia as she is rather a chaotic person. Someone level-headed is needed to reign her in."-I interrupted to express my opinion.
-"What do you think about Yue's suggestion, Ganyu?"
-"Allow me to meet Elysia first, but I'm not opposed."
-"As for me, I'll go to Duty. My legal experience may fit in Avarice, but I would rather use it to help people than gain riches."
-"I welcome you, Yanfei."-Astraea smiled at her first new member.
-"Yelan, what about you?"
-"Domination, I think. My specialist experience can be most useful there."
-"Then I'll send you as Liyue representative to Nobunaga's side. You can discuss with her about your responsibilities."
-"Loki, what about your familia?"-Ningguang turned her attention to the goddess camp.
-"For now, I'll join Duty. In addition, Finn decided to join Hope while Riveria will join Progress."
-"You are all welcome, Riveria. Do you also want to join as a Librarian?"-I looked at the mature elf nearby.
-"What would that position require of me?"
-"Progres, as of yet, has only three official positions created by Hold. Librarians are people who can be considered leading researchers and scholars. Masters are those who pursue the craft. Lastly, Explores are only somewhat combat-oriented groups under Progress. They try to unravel mysteries outside the safe walls of Hold."
-"Then I ask to be made a Librarian"
-"Yue, don't forget about me. The position of Master is the best fit for me. I'll even throw Tsubaki as a bonus."
-"I was just about to propose that. Happy to have you on board, Hephaestus."
We continued arranging positions for other members of the three familias for some time. In the middle of this, Elysia joined us with her usual enthusiasm, making the conversation more lively. When the evening arrived, the mortals present started to feel hungry, so we decided to eat something. I proposed to cook something for them. Not even 30 minutes later, we all sat for our meal.
-"Delicious, Yue. Is there anything you can't do?"-Elysia looked at me with a spark in her eyes after trying my dishes.
-"Many things, but I'll learn them all someday."-I spoke my conviction.
-"Ambitious goal."-Hephaestus seemed impressed by me.
-"Just the Path I follow. Live in a way that, when the end comes, you are the best version of you you can be."
-"Hard life to live."-Loki spoke in between bites of food.
-"Yes, though, it is rewarding when you achieve something."
-"What are your plans for later?"-Ningguang changed the subject.
-"Don't have any yet. I'll probably go back to the workshop."
-"How about you take us to your world for a quick look?"-She revealed the purpose behind her previous question.
-"Yes, we would like to see how different your world is."-Elysia quickly jumped on the proverbial train.
-"You wouldn't mind that right, Yue?"-Astraea was also interested in visiting my world.
-"OK, Let's do that. Just word of warning, on my side, I'm currently in the middle of traveling, and my ship is not too spacious."
-"Don't worry, we just want to take a look."
And so it was decided. We quickly finished the meal, and we went to my world.
-"Spaceship! It is a true spaceship!"-A pink 'bullet' jumped around the cabin.
-"Elysia, calm down a little."-I grabbed her from the air, preventing a collision with one of the consoles.-"Please make yourself at home."
-"Spaceship, vessel to travel not only in the air but through wast empty cosmos. You were right that it shatters my worldview."-Riveria looked at the planets and stars passing by outside a window.
-"Yes, your world has been created in the image of the divine realm. As such, it is not a planet like we can see outside from time to time."-I have remembered what I read before.
-"Around every star in the sky exist so many planets. I just understood what the vastness of a world means."-Finn also admired the scene before his eyes.
-"Most planets are barren rocks or cloud formations. Even so, there are countless lives among them. Allow me to deviate from the set course a little so that I can show you one of the stations here in the frontier."
-"Frontier?"-Ningguang asked about a term that caught her attention.
-"We divide most of the known universe into sectors, and outside of them is known as frontier, where many still explore unknown."
-"Like in that book you lent me to read."-Astraea walked to my side.
-"You are correct. The person who wrote that book was part of Nameless."
-"Why are they called Nameless?"
-"They are called that as they do not seek fame nor profit. They simply follow their path of Trailblaze."
-"Are they not that much different from us at Hold?"-Astrea spoke due to her convictions.
-"As Avarice, I oppose such sentiment."
-"Those who follow Aeon Akivili are highly respected around the world. In my opinion, they are adventures rather than settlers. While their motto rings true, in my heart, I seek something more than simple travel."
-"I can understand that it is good to explore, but if you don't expand there, it will just be another addition to maps, nothing more."
-"That motto, can you tell us about it?"
-"There are three directions on the compass of destiny — the Unknown, the Known, and the Unknowable. THEY can tolerate the Unknown but will never bow to the Unknowable. Those are words that lead Trailblazers."
-"Never bow to the Unknowable, huh... it would seem that no path is easy to tread."
About an hour later, we arrived at the station. When we exited the ship, what greeted us were soldiers of IPC pointing spears and guns at us.
-"I suggest you lower your weapons. We are not your enemies."-I spoke, revealing my status in IPC to assure them.
-"Apologies, we are at heightened security as Antimatter Legion has been harassing surrounding routes for some time, even attempting to attack this station."-The leader of the guards saluted me after seeing my high rank.
-"Antimatter Legion again... Understandable. We are just stopping for a short while. We won't trouble you."
-"Thank you, sorry for the inconvenience."
After that short episode, we passed the checkpoint with no more problems and arrived at the market part of the station. While passing through a somewhat crowded space, we made our way to the observation deck.
-"It would seem that no matter the place, there are always troubles."-Loki commented on the previous situation.
-"Peace is never absolute. When interests meet, there are conflicts."-Ningguang crossed her arms while looking around.
-"Look around if you want. There are not many interesting places here aside from this deck."
-"And yet a surprise meeting is making up for this boring space."- A calm voice sounded next to us.
-"It indeed is. Not every day, one can run into someone who is watched by Nous."-I looked at the beautiful woman who approached me.
-"Pleasure is mine. I'm Ruan Mei, #81 member of Genius Society."-She introduced herself as this was our first meeting.
-"I'm Yue, as you are probably aware. What can I do for you?"
-"Truth be told, I wish for you to assist my research on life, but right now, I'm also traveling somewhere. As such, I'd like to exchange methods to communicate with you later."
-"Good, if it is not a problem, may I know what you are planning to do?"
-"My dear friend invited me to join a research project, so I'm traveling to join her."
-"I'm also in need of assistance from some capable research personnel. After I'm done with my matters, I'll go to you for some discussion."
-"Hmm... I do not know if I'm able to assist the Emanator of Finality, but I'll be waiting."-She smiled as our palms touched when we exchanged contacts.
-"See you soon then."-I ignored her sneaky attempt at analyzing me.
-"Goodbye."
-"Your friend?"-Asked Astraea.
-"No. It was our first meeting, but she is one of those who attracted the interest of Nous, the Aeon of Erudition, which shows her capabilities.
-"You plan to invite her and her friend?"
-"Yes, as Progress, more researchers will be necessary for our future growth."
-"You are going all in on Hold, huh?"-Ningguang smiled at me.
-"I do not belong to any other fraction, so it is easy for me. I don't have to take care of other interests than my own and Hold's. It's a gambit for the future. Maybe it will allow me to break a stalemate I'm in."
-"Yes. While I believe in Hold, Liyue is still first for me. I need some proof before investing more."
-"Let's go. I'll show you a nebula nearby, and we will end this trip."-I decided to stop the heavy subject for now.
-"After you."
After looking around for an hour or so, we returned to my ship. We planned to see one of the nearby habitable planets, but on the way there, we ran into something we weren't looking for.